Me Again

Funny and heart-wrenching - great for book clubs

We often forget that strokes don't just happen to older people. Keith Cronin's powerful debut novel explores what happens when a man and a woman in their late twenties both have their lives radically changed by strokes. The story also shows how stroke can affect not just the victims, but also those who are close to them, like spouses, family, friends and even enemies. Despite how serious all that sounds, 'Me Again' is also very funny. Jonathan's self-deprecating and clever observations are often laugh-out-loud funny, as he faces life with no memory and unable to count past the number three. And while Rebecca's inability to filter her own speech leads to some humorous moments, it also gives us some painfully intimate glimpses at what it's like to spend every day knowing you're not living up to the expectations of others. This is a satisfying, emotional book that manages to avoid being saccharine, yet still tugs pretty hard at the heartstrings - when it's not busy making you laugh. This would definitely make a great book club selection. Highly recommended!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Funny, compelling, heartwarming and authentic

This was a great read -- funny, compelling, heartwarming and authentic.

Jonathan Hooper awakes from a 6-year coma, defying all the odds after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 28. As he works to regain his ability to speak, walk and take care of himself, he also must come to terms with the fact that he remembers almost nothing of his previous life. During his month's-long recovery in the hospital, Jon becomes friends with another young stroke victim, Rebecca. While Rebecca's memory is intact following her stroke, she has suffered a complete personality change and is now a stranger to her husband. While Rebecca struggles to somehow "fix" what has been broken, Jon struggles with the gradual realization that he might not have been a very "good" person in his previous life. Together, they navigate the daunting and "weird" path of rebuilding their lives and discovering who they have become.

The author's writing style is witty, sharp and authentic. The dialogue rings true, the main and supporting characters are multidimensional, and the story moves along at a quick pace. While I saw some of the plot twists coming from a mile away, others caught me completely off guard. Overall, this was an entertaining, heartwarming read that left me emotionally satisfied upon turning the final page.

One other thing worth noting is that the author has promised to contribute 25 percent of his earnings from the book to the American Stroke Association.

A Must Read!

I am not much of a novel reader. I usually go straight for the reference, biography or personal development section, but the description of this book intrigued me so I purchased it and I am so glad that I did! What a beautiful book this is. I literally couldn't put it down. Starting it on a Friday night and reading through more than 2/3's of the book. When I finished it the next morning my only regret was that there was no more to read.

Me Again will have you laughing and at times reaching for the box of tissues. I am truly looking forward to not only Keith Cronin's next book but rereading Me Again! This book would make a great movie! I highly recommend Me Again. You won't be sorry!

A thoroughly engaging, thought-provoking story - Get it, read it, you won't regret it!

Being in the technology field, I don't read much fiction. This book hooked me from the first page, and I couldn't wait to see what happens next. There were moments when I laughed out loud while sitting alone, another moment where I fought back tears while waiting for my car to be serviced. You will fall in love with the main characters and connect with the challenges and revelations they encounter along their path of recovery.

I must confess, Keith Cronin is a friend of mine. I purchased the book because of this fact. But I loved the book because it's a beautiful, well-crafted story.

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